The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on government to take urgent steps to reduce the soaring cost of electricity, warning that failure to act could lead to a “jobs bloodbath.” According to COSATU, since the introduction of load-shedding in 2006, electricity tariffs have increased by more
Crime and violence continue to devastate communities across South Africa, particularly on the Cape Flats, where a surge in gang shootings has claimed dozens of lives in recent months. Amid the bloodshed, some residents argue that vigilantism has become a necessary response to crime. A recent VOC News poll found
The Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) has launched its Justice Through Mediation programme, an initiative aimed at easing pressure on South Africa’s congested court system. The programme will provide free mediation services to individuals and small businesses, offering a faster and less costly alternative to litigation. Through the initiative,
A solidarity hike for Palestine is scheduled for Saturday, 6 September, at Newlands Forest in Cape Town, starting at 8:30 am. The initiative is organised by Youth for Al-Quds South Africa in collaboration with Hikers for Humanity, combining wellness with activism. Speaking to VOC News, Youth for Al-Quds (SA) National
Early reports from Palestinian media have indicated that unidentified drones were spotted tracking the Sumud Freedom Flotilla in international waters, flying at medium altitude over several ships. This comes as boats across the globe join in to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza. Madison Bannon from the Global Sumud Flotilla
Housing activists Ndifuna Ukwazi are urging the government to prioritise repairs to the derelict Irene Grootboom building in Cape Town, rather than evicting the 40 families who have called it home for years. The Western Cape High Court this week reserved judgement after the Department of Public Works (DPWI) sought
By Lee-Yandra Paulsen Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has praised the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) for launching a nationwide investigation to verify educators across the country. Last month, the council began auditing more than 22,000 public schools to identify so-called ‘ghost teachers’ and to probe allegations that teacher
Tygerberg Hospital has reached a groundbreaking milestone in South African medicine with the country’s first robotic donor nephrectomy. The procedure, performed by urologist Dr. Danelo du Plessis using the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Xi Robotic system, involved a mother donating a kidney to her daughter in a life-saving operation. Dr. du
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has welcomed the resolution issued by the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS). “The legal definition proving the commission of genocide by the Zionist occupation entity against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip has been met. This constitutes new legal documentation, adding to the
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
